Paul Harris (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Harris
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Paul Harris and Martha Flower (1959)
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| Born |
Paul Elwood Harris
September 15, 1917 Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
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| Died | August 25, 1985 (aged 67) Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Paul E. Harris |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, composer |
| Years active | 1950s - 1980s |
Paul Harris (born September 15, 1917 – died August 25, 1985) was a talented American actor, singer, and composer. He was known for his strong presence on screen and stage. Paul appeared in many films and TV shows, including All Night Long, Across 110th Street, and Truck Turner. He also performed in plays and musicals around the world.
About Paul Harris
Paul Harris was born and grew up in Pasadena, California. When he was sixteen, he became very interested in acting and music. He studied at the Hebert Wall School of Music and The Actors Laboratory in Hollywood. He was even chosen to study and perform in plays at the famous Pasadena Community Playhouse.
Paul Harris became one of the first well-known Black actors and singers. He performed with groups like the “George Garner Community Sing Association” and “The DePaur Infantry Chorus.” These groups took him to New York, where he continued his studies at the American Theatre Wing. Paul also traveled all over the United States for more than a year with the touring show of the Broadway musical SHOWBOAT. He even traveled the world with George Gershwin's PORGY & BESS company. This tour was supported by the United States government! Traveling helped him get involved in theater in countries like England, Italy, France, and Germany.
Paul Harris passed away from cancer in Los Angeles, California, on August 25, 1985. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
Paul Harris's Career
Stage Performances
Paul Harris was a versatile performer, meaning he could do many things well. He was a singer, and he acted on stage, in films, and on television. He performed on Broadway, which is the highest level of theater in New York City. He also went on international theater tours. In 1949, he played the doorman in the musical comedy Show Boat at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. The next month, he was in another musical called Annie, Get Your Gun.
Film and Television Roles
In the late 1950s, Paul Harris moved to Europe to find more acting work. He went to Paris with the cast of a show called Free and Easy. In England, he got a main role in the 1962 film All Night Long. In this movie, he played a piano player named Aurelius Rex. His character faces tricky situations caused by another character, Johnny Cousin.
Later, in 1966, Paul Harris appeared in an episode of The Baron, a TV series starring Steve Forrest. In 1974, he had a role in the film Truck Turner, which starred Isaac Hayes. That same year, Paul Harris also got a leading role as Pasha in a film called Jive Turkey, also known as Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes.
